Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

I loved both Delilah Green Doesn't Care and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail, so needless to say this was one of my most anticipated releases. The hype was very real for me. When I got my approved email for my request for the earc, I may have jumped up and down a few times and excitedly texted all of my friends, and told my parents that replied with a "ok I have no idea what that is".

So, as you can tell, I went into this book with very high expectations. And let me tell you those expectations were blown away. Iris kelly Doesn't Date quickly became my favorite from the series, and I knew that by 20 percent of my way through. Stevie quickly became one of my favorite characters in this series, and her and Iris have now become my favorite couple out of the three we have read about. I do not think I will ever get enough of these characters and their dynamic relationships to each other.

One of my favorite things about this book, and the part that cemented this as my favorite of the series, was the representation of Stevie's anxiety. I have had anxiety for years, and I related so deeply to Stevie and her inner thoughts and worries. I could tell Ashley put a lot of thought into this character, and truly cares about this topic. I felt like Ashley camped out in my brain for a few days, rooted around for my thoughts, and then wrote those down in this book. (Ashley, please feel free to come visit again, although I apologize for the thoughts you may have seen...)

Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and I know it can be overused and get old. But something about this book just made it seem like the trope was unique and not overdone.
I cannot wait to see if Ashley writes anymore about these characters. Frankly, I would read their grocery lists if it included their wonderful banter.

The Bright Falls series gets a truly beautiful ending with Iris' story. I loved following her and Stevie as they broke through their limiting beliefs and found acceptance in themselves. A perfect ending for this franchise I'll deeply miss.

Fake dating relationships are often used as a plot device to create tension, conflict, and emotional growth for the main characters within a romance. These relationships, especially ones where the leading ladies are trying to deceive their family and friends, can provide an effective framework for the story arc to expand. When done creatively, the result is something that’s not only compelling but entertaining for readers. This is definitely the case with Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date. Ashley Herring Blake does a fine job arranging all the critical components in this romance, making it unfold gracefully on the page.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date is the third book Blake has created in the Bright Falls universe. Even though this book nicely compliments the other two set in this realm, it can easily be read as a standalone. Anyway you slice it though, the Bright Falls story world offers a great escape. Blake has taken care to give it an appealing depth, supplying it with richly developed character histories and subtle power dynamics that enhance the storytelling, resulting in something that easily resonates with readers.

Even though the fake-dating trope is a favorite trope among sapphic readers, it sometimes can feel forced and contrived. Blake, however, manages to sell this one to her readers without pause. Quite simply it works because Blake allows Stevie and Iris the proper time and space to explore their feelings for each other in a safe and controlled manner. The characters properly test the waters and gradually develop a deeper emotional connection without the usual kinds of pressure. When they do openly admit their true feelings, they are ready. This is important. It helps build the relationship naturally, giving the women room to breathe. In the end, readers don’t feel like the relationship is rushed or forced; they buy into it and it feels credible, just as any romance should.

One of the major reasons Stevie and Iris work in this story is because they play off from each other so well. Together they create the necessary dramatic tension that’s essential in credible, engaging romances. As the characters navigate the complexities of their fake relationship, they may find themselves developing genuine feelings for each other. This leads to internal conflicts as they struggle with their own emotions and external conflicts as they try to maintain the facade of their relationship. It all lends itself to some compelling scenes, ones in which readers are pulled into the narrative and stirred to want more.

Even though this is a lighthearted story, Blake does tackle some tough subject matter: self-worth and anxiety. Kudos needs to be given to Blake for the way she pens these weighty issues into the scenes and dialogue. She employs generous compassion as the inner workings of these characters are revealed. Stevie and Iris’s vulnerabilities aren’t just splashed across the page. They are carefully scripted with impact, enhancing the storytelling with sensible sensitivity. Though Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date is meant for light reading, these women still leave an impression.

Finally, literature lovers can appreciate Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date’s antagonist. Adri (Stevie’s ex) is well written and well designed. She’s complex but readers see her for what she is—passive aggressive, manipulative and controlling. However, Blake understands that she can’t alienate Adri from the readers. She doesn’t want Adri to be so off putting that she’s distracting, so she softens her a bit and puts her through her paces. The bottom line though is this: Adri is the correlative part of Stevie’s story, and by extension, she becomes Iris’s too. Adri facilitates cohesive and believable conflict for the pair, conflict that slows the forward motion of the story ever so nicely. Ultimately, her presence makes Blake’s storytelling better in subtle but measured ways.

Final remarks…

Overall, this fake-dating sapphic romance allows Blake to explore themes of self-discovery, self-confidence and true love in unique and compelling ways. It’s a fun, fresh perspective on an old trope, and readers will most certainly find Stevie and Iris’s story entertaining. I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Strengths…

Well-written
Heartwarming
Entertaining
Investable, likable characters
Tackles tough subjects (anxiety) with grace and compassion

*Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!*

Oh man, I've been looking forward to this book since [book:Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail|58800142], and I was not disappointed.

This book follows the life of the third of the Bright Falls trio, Iris Kelly. In the previous two stories, Iris hasn't really had great luck in the relationship department: her long-term boyfriend in [book:Delilah Green Doesn't Care|54756850] wants marriage and babies (something that Iris emphatically does <i>not</i> want, and then there's Jillian, the adultress who was just using her for sex in [book:Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail|58800142]. Is it any wonder that Iris swears off dating?

And then there's Stevie Scott, an adorable thespian six months out of a six year relationship, who is looking to get over her ex. Unfortunately for her, her anxiety disorder makes it hard for her to do that.

Insert the meet cute, an audition, and a dash of fake dating, and you have the incredible start of this book which (predictably) ends with a HEA.

Now, there were a lot of things that I greatly enjoyed about this book (and I'm going to try to keep this spoiler free):
<blockquote>• This has probably <i>the</i> most diverse cast of the three novels.
• Herring Blake's depiction of generalized anxiety disorder is done carefully and in an informed way. Stevie is not a hot mess with anxiety as an excuse: you actually see the ways it impacts her life, her decision making, and her relationships.
• Adding on to the above: no one tries to <i>fix</i> Stevie. Instead, they meet her on her level (well, mostly, but more on that later).
• I appreciate Iris' steadfastness to what she wants and what she does <i>not</i> want.
• God, I fucking love Delilah. And Claire. And Astrid.
• Simon!
• The whole concept of an all queer production and interpretation of Shakespeare.</blockquote>
Now, for the things I was less yay about:
<blockquote>• Adri. I disliked her and the way she treated Stevie and the way she treated Vanessa. She's just toxic, and I truly couldn't find any redeeming qualities in her.
• Iris' mom. While I, as a parent, recognize wanting your child to be happy, happiness isn't the same as being partnered up and married. There are so many different ways to be happy, and so many kinds of love that are just as fulfilling as romantic love. I wanted to scream at Maeve until she understood that.
• The pacing. Time feels a bit wonky in this. I think it's supposed to take place over the course of a year, but until the end, we don't really get a whole lot of time markers. (And if we did and I missed them, that's on me.)</blockquote>
Overall, I absolutely enjoyed this and you should definitely pick it up when it comes out in October!

Ashley Herring Blake ate and left no crumbs. What a great conclusion to an amazing series. Iris and Stevie are without a doubt my favorite couple from the trilogy, both as pair and separately. Their characters are so carefully written as to explain all their behaviours without a hitch. Both were easy to relate to, and easier to get attached to.

I also loved the friend group we’ve come to know throughout the trilogy coming together and reading the Easter eggs from the previous books. It made me emotional to see how all couples ended up becoming and I’m grieving not being able to read more.

Anyways, this is my favorite WLW romance series and it’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for NetGalley and Berkley to have lend me an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

Wow, I am so blown away by this one. I loved this--heck, I would even say this is the best in the series. That never happens! The last book is never the best! But I honestly think this one is.

This book follows Iris Kelly as she struggles with her lack of romantic relationships while trying to write a romance book, and settles for one night hook-ups instead. Everything changes, however, when she encounters a woman named Stevie at a bar, and has what is undoubtedly the worst hook-up of her life. Things only get more chaotic when she auditions for a play, gets the staring role, and finds out that she is co-leading with the very woman that gave her said night. What's more? Stevie drags her into a fake dating senario in order to prove to her friends--and herself--that she can bounce back after a break-up from a relationship that lasted six years.

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is an adorable, romantic, and tropey-in-the-best-way kind of read. It has it all: fun leads, dramatic tension, and a steamy fake dating romance that kept me hooked until the very end. Iris and Stevie were a joy to follow, with both growing into their own and becoming more than what many define them as. Iris was never my favorite from the other two books, but she really shines here, and her and Stevie's relationship was so much fun to follow. It wasn't always easy, with jealous exs, pressure from their play, and looming deadlines chasing them down, but it made it all the more enjoyable. And it resulted in a super fun trope-fest that kept me turning page after page long after I said I needed to call it a night.

I honestly didn't know until the last couple of pages that this was the last book in the series, and I am sad to see it go! But trust that this book gives a satisfactory conclusion to everyone. If you are even remotely a fan of the Bright Falls series up until this point, I can assure you that you'll be happy where everyone ends up.

I know I will be gushing about this book for a while!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my heart! I have loved Iris since the very beginning of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and I was so excited to read her story. I enjoyed every single second of this book. Ashley Herring Blake’s writing is a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait to read more from her!

I really enjoyed getting to know Iris. She is still the bold and funny character that we all love but in this book we also get to see her vulnerable side. I will always root for her no matter what! Stevie quickly became my favorite! I related to her story so much especially when it came to anxiety. It kind of felt like I was reading about myself at times. Both characters had personal struggles to work through and their growth in the end was fabulous.

Iris & Stevie were so cute together. Their fake dating romance was chaotic but in the best way possible. Their chemistry was there from the beginning but seeing them realize their feelings little by little was sweet!

The epilogue was absolutely perfect! I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to this series. It had me in my feels for sure!

Pub date: 10/24/23
Genre: romance (wlw, fake dating, mental health rep)
Quick summary: Iris has perfected no strings attached - until she meets Stevie and ends up cleaning up her vomit instead of hooking up. Days later, a theater audition leads to fake dating and romance lessons...

This was a fun conclusion to the Bright Falls series! As in the past two books, the author does a great job giving both the protagonists lots of character growth. Iris had a lot of baggage from always being seen as a hookup that she had to work through, and Stevie's anxiety and previous toxic relationship were keeping her from finding a connection. I also loved how the other Bright Falls residents showed up to support Iris and Stevie. This one was a little on the spicy side for me, but I enjoyed the sweetness of Iris and Stevie's relationship plus the continued development of the other Bright Falls pairings.

Thank you to Berkley and @letstalkbookspromo for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ashley Herring Blake's Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is both heartwarming and witty. Throughout the book, Iris' journey to happiness is captured with sensitivity and humor, which is both entertaining and emotional. Stevie's struggle with anxiety is real and relatable making the combination of characters entrancing. Readers cannot help but be drawn into the story by the unique bond these two characters share, which develops into an engaging and heartfelt story.

This is the third installment in Ashley Herring Blake’s Bright Falls series but my first read by the author. Although I am excited to read the other books in the series, Iris Kelly Doesn't Date works well as a standalone. Laugh-out-loud scenes, complex characters, and an atmospheric setting made this a smile-worthy read. Despite their seemingly perfect relationship, Iris and Stevie have a palpable chemistry as the reader slowly discovers there is more to their relationship than meets the eye.

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. The characters are well-written and the story is well-developed. It's the perfect escape for anyone looking for a cozy fall LGBTQIAP± romantic read.

Rating: 4.5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake!

I really love this series. I was nervous about this book, because Iris was my least favorite character in the earlier books, but Ashley Herring Blake brings so much character and nuance to Iris.

An absolutely perfect final installment of the Bright Falls series, with an extra-extra HEA for our original faves. I *loved* finally being inside Iris’ head, getting to really know her. Stevie is my new Anxiety-Queer hero. I love fake dating and I’ve never seen it done so good. And yeah, you know what? I did cry at the end! But unlike Iris, it’s no secret I’m a softie.

Ashley Herring Blake's Bright Falls series really is just everything to me, the trifecta of queer books I've been waiting my entire life to read. This third, and final, installment won my heart as quickly and as wholly as Delilah Green Doesn't Care and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail. PLUS! Here is the second FAKE DATING book on this list! You know Iris Kelly, of course. Or, well, you know what she's allowed you to know over the course of the previous two books. And that's kind of the point: Everyone has all these ideas about who Iris is, and she feels compelled to act the part, always, to keep her friends and family as happy as possible. But she's a ginger-haired iceberg; half of her fire has always been buried underwater. Iris meets Stevie, a barista and actress, during one of her nights out clubbing. Flirting leads to dancing leads to Stevie's bedroom, where Stevie's nerves get the best of her and she yarfs before their hookup. It's the worst one night stand ever, and they both think they'll never see each other again — until they meet on stage the next day when Iris decides to audition for some local gender-bending Shakespearian theater.

Stevie is my new favorite Anxiety Queer, and I have a feeling she'll be one of your favorites too. Her anxiety informs so many things about her life, but she refuses to let it control her. She's able to laugh about it ("God, Iris practically emanated sex. Stevie was pretty sure the only thing she emanated was stress hormones."), but she also sheds plenty of outraged tears over it too. It affects the way people see her, it affects the way she sees herself, and no matter how many strategies she tries to manage it, sometimes it gets the best of her. Iris teaches Stevie how to embrace the power of her sexuality. Stevie teaches Iris how to not FREAK OUT when holding someone's hand. If you think Love Is a Lie, you better stay away from this book because it will 100% convince you otherwise.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide and honest review.

Goofy and sexy while still packing a hell of an emotional punch. Iris and Stevie couldn't be more different, and their effect on one another is really compelling. Like in the previous two books in the series, each character starts out strictly defined, their behaviors dictated by old habits, older traumas, and what their loved ones have come to expect from them, and their wildly out-of-character romance helps them break out of their typical roles and really evolve.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to read the final installment in the Bright Falls trilogy and let me tell you...you don’t wanna sleep on this one! Blake has managed to amp up the spice while maintaining an interesting plot that keeps the reader invested and unable to put the book down. The number of times I had to force myself to set the book aside and make sure I wasn’t late for work or staying up all night trying to read *just one more chapter* is actually absurd.

I loved Delilah Green and then Astrid Parker, but Iris Kelly takes the cake for me. Blake has become a master at their craft and has absolutely nailed the ratio of sapphic longing-spice-realistic character growth/development. I’m so sad to say goodbye to these beloved characters, but this trilogy has put Blake on my auto-buy list of authors. If you haven’t read any of the books from the Bright Falls trilogy, get on it!

I love Ashley Herring Blake’s writing style and how she brings each character to life. Every character is multi-faceted and skillfully developed. I love the witty banter between characters and the attention to small details that initially made me fall in love with her writing.

The story itself is charming and relatable. I loved revisiting the world of Bright Falls and the lives of Herring Blake’s characters. I also really appreciated the mental health representation and the perspective of the character, Stevie, and her struggles with GAD.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date is a stunning conclusion to an epic series, and I can’t wait for more!

Thanks to Berkley (via NetGalley) for the ARC!

I don't have a ton to say except that this was the perfect way to end the Bright Falls series 🥰💙 It's a pretty close race, but I think this might be my favorite of the three books. I love how Stevie and Iris both thought they were messed up in completely different ways but each managed to find the good in each other while figuring out that they weren't, in fact, irreparably broken.

I will leave you with my favorite part of the book, which made me cry even harder than I already was at that point 😭

SPOILER AHEAD

"I spent a lot of time," Iris went on, "convincing myself I wasn't built to last, wasn't built for romance, for love. But maybe..." Tears bloomed into her eyes. "Maybe I was just built for you."

Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing!
Fake relationships and witty sapphic characters! It's an absolutely amazing continuation of one of the best romance series I have read in a while. I loved the first two books, and this book definitely lived up to expectations. The story picks right back up without being confusing, and I was happy to see another character find love in this universe, This has definitely become a new comfort read for me!

Saying goodbye to this little world is going to be rough, I just know it. I've been waiting for Iris's story for a long time and AHB delivered! It's cute, it's got depth. To quote Stefan, this book has everything. I hope in some way, we can return to this wonderful place

I don't know how I can give this book any less than five stars. I have been obsessed with Bright Falls thanks to Delilah and Claire (*swoon*). I devoured this book in a few days because it was all I could think about so I had to give up everything to read it. When I tell you my house chores suffered because of it.. oh man. In the end, it was absolutely worth it.

I easily slipped back into Bright Falls and the quaint charm that it holds. I had been curious about Iris' story and was delighted to have it in front of me. It hurt my heart to learn she felt she deserved so little that she would casually throw away so many great potential friendships and relationships. And then entered Stevie. Now she caught me off guard because I found myself relating to her far too much. It was like reading my history in this book. I could not get enough of their fake-dating (one of my favorite tropes) and how they struck a deal to learn from the other - brilliant. I loved how these characters were so deeply flawed yet fleshed out, they felt real. I swear I could be friends with them in real life... I know I would certainly try to be their friends. I enjoyed how they grew and learned and developed as the story progressed, learning to admit their faults. I couldn't get enough of them. I also enjoyed how Iris' friends and the other members of the Bright Falls books had a presence. It was a testament to how strong their friendship was. I cannot wait to reread this entire series over and over again. This book was everything I wanted and needed and more.

This was a cute read with some of my favorite tropes. Blake has a large readership at my library so we will definitely be purchasing it for the collection. :)